What to know

  • The Twisted Bud is a key item found in Bilewater, in a crib-like root off to the left.
  • Once picked up, it triggers major quest content involving giving it to an NPC in Shellwood.
  • This initiates the Rite of Rebirth quest, which leads into the Infestation Operation quest in Greymoor.
  • Completing the chain rewards you with the Witch Crest and ties into a mid-/late-game achievement.

You’re diving into Hollow Knight: Silksong, and the Twisted Bud is a key item that kicks off an intriguing quest. Found in the eerie Bilewater zone, it’s a must-find for progressing through this challenging area. Here’s how to locate it and what to do next, broken down step by step.

Step 1: How to reach Bilewater

To find the Twisted Bud, you first need to navigate to Bilewater, a late-game area southeast of the Whispering Vaults. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Purchase the Bilewater map from Shakra, the map merchant, for 90 Rosaries.
  • Start at the Grand Bellway and head east through The Stage.
  • Enter the Whispering Vaults and locate a hidden passage in the lower section, above the eastern exit (check ceiling ledges).
  • Use the Clawline Ancestral Art to break a wall in the Vaults, opening a downward path to Bilewater.

Step 2: Locating the Twisted Bud

Once you’re in Bilewater, the Twisted Bud isn’t far. Follow these steps:

  • From Bilewater’s entrance, drop down one section.
  • Head west along the path, then move upward and east.
  • Spot the Twisted Bud on the left side—a contorted mass of ashen vine in a crib-like root structure, crying loudly.
  • Pick it up to add it to your inventory (note: it cries every time you open the menu).
  • Unlock the nearby bench for a safe checkpoint.

Step 3: Progressing with the Twisted Bud

With the Twisted Bud in hand, your next steps involve delivering it and advancing the quest. Here’s the process:

  • Travel to Shellwood to find Greyroot.
  • Complete the Rite of the Pollip quest first (destroy six Pollip flowers and collect the Pollip Fruit) to give the Bud to Greyroot.
  • After delivering the Bud, a cutscene triggers the Rite of Rebirth, infecting Hornet with a parasite.
  • The parasite disables healing, Crest equipping, and Compass access, so consider boosting max health beforehand.

Twisted Bud requirements and costs

To successfully grab the Twisted Bud, make sure you have these:

  • Bilewater Map: Costs 90 Rosaries, purchased from Shakra.
  • Clawline Ancestral Art: Required to break the wall into Bilewater.
  • Accessible Areas: You need access to the Grand Bellway, The Stage, and Whispering Vaults.

Following the thread of Twisted Bud

The Twisted Bud quest is a gripping challenge in Hollow Knight: Silksong, pulling you through Bilewater’s eerie depths and into a complex questline. You’ll need to gather Rosaries, master navigation, and tackle the parasite’s restrictions, which limit healing and gear. If you’re low on Rosaries, farming in Sinner’s Road can help, but plan to avoid frustration.

The journey tests your skills and patience, making the Twisted Bud a memorable part of your Silksong adventure, especially if you’re chasing every quest and secret the game offers. The next quest that follows is the Rite of Rebirth, wherein Twisted Bud is crucial. It is better if you can get it before you plant to step up for Witch Crest.